Clotted blood tube (Clot activator tube) (in ice bath)

Minimum blood volume: 6 mL

Paediatric clotted blood tube (in ice bath)

Number of vials: 2

Minimum blood volume: 1.6 mL

(Private patient ONLY)

Precaution

Fasting required.

Send in ice without delay.

Reference interval

0.9 - 7.1 µg/L

(Source: from manufacturer's kit insert)

Footnote:
C-peptide level depends on various factors including pancreatic reserve, plasma glucose, state of fasting, etc. Please interpret the C-peptide with concurrent plasma glucose and insulin result.

Investigation of hypoglycaemia thought to be due to hyperinsulinism, particularly if surreptitious use of insulin is suspected.

To assess pancreatic beta cell function and to distinguish type 1 from type 2 diabetes.

Pancreatic beta cells secrete C-peptide with insulin, so inappropriately high levels of insulin and C-peptide during hypoglycaemia indicate endogenous hyperinsulinism.

Inappropriately high levels of insulin with low C-peptide during hypoglycaemia indicate exogenous hyperinsulinism.

Pancreatic beta cells secrete C-peptide with insulin, so levels decline with beta cell failure.